After hopes that a more spread-out event could be held this summer in compliance with the state’s coronavirus compliance, the 2021 Oregon Renaissance Faire has been canceled amid a continuing fourth surge of new Covid-19 infections and hospitalizations.
The Ren Faire had been scheduled to take place in Canby across the first two weekends in June.
It was the second straight year the popular historical-themed event was canceled at the Clackamas County Fairgrounds due to the pandemic.
It was also another troubling sign that — despite the continuing proliferation of Covid vaccines the country’s top scientists have deemed safe and effective — a swift return to normalcy, including large events, is probably not in the cards this summer.
“It is with the heaviest of hearts that we must announce the postponement of the Oregon Ren Faire this year due to heavy restrictions from the county due to Covid-19,” the ORF said on its Facebook page May 1. “We are sorry and sad to have to cancel but it is in the best interest of everyone’s health.”
Last week, Clackamas and 14 other counties returned to “extreme risk” — the highest and most restrictive tier in the governor’s reopening framework.
The risk level carries severe restrictions for restaurants, bars, gyms, theaters and other businesses, as well as both indoor and outdoor events.
If the Ren Faire were to go on under the current risk restrictions, only 50 people would be able to attend, including vendors, crews, and volunteers.
“As you all know, this event, and ones like it, take months of planning and are not put together with a moment’s notice,” ORF organizers said in a separate statement. “Clackamas County will be in the extreme risk category from April 30 to May 6, and there is no idea when this will move from extreme to moderate or even low.”
Those who bought tickets will be getting a refund, organizers said. For more information, please contact info@oregonfaire.com.
Organizers say they are already planning for a Renaissance-worthy return next summer.
“We will be back in FULL FORCE for the 2022 season,” organizers promise, “and will miss you all until then.”
